12 Cars With the Worst One-Year Resale Values

Posted by Doug Murray on December 28, 2016

New cars lose value fast, right from the second you take ownership and drive them off the lot. But not all new cars are created equal. The money gurus at Forbes recently ranked the cars with the most depreciation over the first year of ownership. If you're looking to make your investment in new wheels to retain its value longer for resale down the road, then read this.

The good news is that cars with poor resale values are actually great deals for secondhand buyers. If you're looking for a decent used car, consider one of these models.

The Forbes figures come from a survey of resale values by iSeeCars.com. All figures in US dollars.

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12. Buick Regal

The iSeeCars study found that the Buick Regal loses 31.2% of its original value in the first year of ownership, which translates into an average net loss of $11,525.

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11. Chrysler 300

The Chrysler 300 loses $13,351 in value over the first year, a loss of 31.7%.

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10. Cadillac ATS

In 10th spot is the Cadillac ATS. The average net loss is $6,099 or 31.8%.

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9. Fiat 500

Cute and popular, a used Fiat 500 is a much better investment than a new one. A new model will lose 31.9% of its value in a year, which translates to a whopping $11,106.

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8. Jaguar XF

Who doesn't want a Jag? But surprisingly, the XF model loses $19,966 in value in year one. That's 32.3%.

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7. Lincoln MKZ/MKZ Hybrid

The Lincoln MKZ/MKZ Hybrid loses 33.8% or $14,177 of its original value in the first 12 months of ownership.

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6. Nissan Maxima

In the first year of ownership, the Nissan Maxima drops $12,469 in value, or 34%.

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5. Mercedes-Benz C250

If you're looking to buy a C250, definitely buy used. A new model will lose 34.3% of its original value in one year. That's a net loss of $15,247.

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4. Kia Cadenza

If you purchase a new Kia Cadenza, be prepared for a $12,940 drop in the car's value in the first year. That's 34.3%.

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3. Volvo S60

A new Volvo S60 loses 34.4% of its original value in the first year after purchase. That's an average loss of $14,204.

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2. Lincoln MKS

Forbes reports that the Lincoln MKS has the second worst resale value. Expect its value to drop 34.5% or $16,039.

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1. Fiat 500L

And the worst one-year resale value award goes to the Fiat 500L. One year after driving it off the lot, it will have lost 34.6% of its value or $8,096. So if you want a good deal on one, buy used and save big.